Ghana Needs New Evangelization, Say Bishops

With Social Changes Come Loss of Traditional Values, Respect for One Another

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The bishops of Ghana are calling for a “new evangelization” in a country where the “social, cultural, economic situation and political life [is] making the profound encounter with Jesus Christ very difficult.”

In a statement released to Fides News Agency, the Conference of Bishops of Ghana assert that “Ghana is a peaceful Country, emerging at an economic level, and it is a deeply religious nation.” They cite examples such as strong participation in religious services and moments of prayer at the national level.

Nonetheless, the Bishops recognize there is a need for a new evangelization “because the social, cultural, economic situation and political life of Ghana is making the profound encounter with Jesus Christ very difficult”.

The statement was issued at the close of their meeting, entitled “The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith in Ghana,” which ran 8-16 November.

The bishops go on to say that money “has taken the central place of every aspect of our lives,” thereby making evangelization difficult. “The desire to obtain money immediately and by any means is causing severe social costs and severe suffering to the poor. We note with sadness the growing inequalities in our society fueled by corruption and other forms of lawlessness”.

The need for a “new evangelization” is further evidenced by the declining respect for one another, especially the most vulnerable, the bishops said. They go on to explain that traditional family values are also under threat by “patterns of family life that are incompatible with God’s plan and will.”

The bishops said they would focus many of their efforts on evangelizing those in the political field, so that Ghana’s leaders may be “men and women of proven integrity animated by a sincere love for the welfare of the people they govern”. (A.S.)

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